The Coronado chapter of Soroptimist International honored three women as recipients of its annual Live Your Dream (LYD) Scholarship on Jan. 9.
The awards ceremony, held at the Coronado City Boathouse meeting room, highlighted the organization’s focus on supporting women and girls in achieving education and financial independence.
The scholarships are designated for women who have overcome significant obstacles and are working toward a two- or four-year degree.
Supported by year-long fundraising efforts and contributions from the Coronado community, this year’s scholarships totaled $9,000.
“Most clubs award just one scholarship, but our club values this program so much that we award two secondary LYD awards,” Carolyn Muehlenbeck, who oversees the Coronado chapter’s publicity, said in an organizational release.
The award recipients were not named to protect their privacy and safety, per request of the Coronado chapter of Soroptimist International.
The primary scholarship winner, a Russian immigrant and mother of three, is studying cybersecurity at San Diego City College. She received a $5,000 scholarship.
She plans to transfer to a four-year institution and eventually pursue graduate degrees in her field.
Her achievement also qualified her for consideration at the regional level of Soroptimist’s scholarship program, where she may secure additional funding.
Two secondary scholarship recipients were also celebrated.
One, a mother of five, received a $2,500 scholarship. She is pursuing a degree in accounting at Southwestern College with hopes of transferring to a four-year program.
The other, a mother of two, received a $1,500 scholarship and is working toward a career in archaeology.
Both women have persevered through the hardships of abusive marriages and now strive to create brighter futures for their families as single parents, Muehlenbeck said.
Founded in 1921, Soroptimist International has grown into a global organization of 160,000 members dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls through programs that promote social and economic empowerment.
With 120 clubs spanning five regions worldwide, the organization tackles pressing issues that disproportionately affect women, including domestic violence, human trafficking, limited access to education and inadequate healthcare.
The Coronado chapter is a local extension of this mission. Its 34 members collaborate with nonprofit organizations, such as Generate Hope and Rotary Club of Coronado Binacional, to address critical needs both locally and globally.
